Further Development and Test of an Artificial Hand for Communication with Deaf-Blind People. Final Report.

Laenger, Charles J., Sr.; Peel, H. Herbert

The report details the development and design of a mechanical hand for communicating with deaf blind persons. It is explained that the device, which looks and functions like the human hand, forms the symbols of the one-hand manual alphabet upon command from a standard electric typewriter keyboard. The report addresses the following topics (sample subtopics in parentheses): background of the concept (prior work by the Southwest Research Institute, including the use of surgically implanted electrodes); design criteria (mechanical hand dimensions, detailed drawings of the finger and thumb designs); the development program; consultant reactions; and needed improvements (cosmesis, internal resistance, and portability). Among six recommendations listed are for a functional design evalution by deaf blind users, attention to cosmetology, and preparation of a final report to determine disposition. (CL)